Easter Reflections: Peter, annoyingly engaged

In today's reading, we read about the Lord's Last Supper, Jesus washing the feet of the disciples, and Him declaring that Judas would betray Him and Peter would deny Him. (Matthew 26:17-35; John 13:1-38)

It is a lot to digest.

As a teacher, and being that right now I am mentoring a student teacher, my attention gravitates towards Jesus' teaching methods.  He always sets the example.  He always takes the first step.  He doesn't lecture first.  I wonder what the disciples might have thought when he stood up and prepared the towels and basin to wash their feet.  I imagine that there was an "awkward" moment.  Stares being made.  Heads shaking in disbelief.

But Jesus doesn't ask.  Jesus doesn't explain.  Jesus just does.

And I wondered.  How many of the Twelve really paid attention? How many were observing intently? How many continued eating?  How many saw and went back to the conversations and food?  How many were so appalled at how Jesus was breaking with tradition that jump to judgment?  

I do know that Peter engaged.  Peter, Peter.  He speaks up his mind.  He is that student I have that always raises his voice to voice the obvious, to ask for clarification or to simply disagree.  He is the one some students follow.  He is the one some roll their eyes and label him as the opinionated, vocal and loud one.

Before that, Jesus had told the disciples someone would betray them.  Their response?  Sadness.  Oh, how noble.  But upon closer scrutiny, I realize they are all just trying to save their own behinds.  Their response was not "Jesus, we are so sad you are telling us this will happen to you" but rather "I don't think it's me, is it?"  In other words, as long as it is not me, Lord.  Who cares if it is someone else!

And so, as Jesus washes their feet, and Peter volunteers to say "never Lord!" we think, once again, that Peter is the valiant disciple.  But once again, we see how fickle our thoughts and determination is.  As soon as Jesus tells him unless he lets him wash, he can have no part with Him.

Again, instead of saying "Ok, Lord" Peter has to say more.  So, he volunteers more.  He wants more than what Jesus is doing.

Oh, Peter.

(I am even skipping the part where they all argue on who is the greatest)

And finally, I get to the point where Jesus tells them they all will fulfill prophecy when they ALL will leave Him.

But no.  Of course Peter has to stand up and speak up.  Of course!

"Never, Lord!"

But we all know the story.  We know Peter will indeed end the night denying Jesus three times, just as Jesus predicted.

Peter.  

It is easy to see Peter as a loud, no-filter, impatient and even selfish man.  He is definitely flawed.

But what catches my attention today is that He is the one that probably learned the most.

We know who Peter becomes after.  But even as a teacher, for all the mistakes, flaws and sometimes annoying questions I might get, the "Peters" in my class often are the ones who learn most.

Why?

To learn, Peter had to be paying attention.  He might not get it all (and he didn't, Jesus makes that plainly clear to him), but he is listening, watching and asking.

To learn, Peter was not afraid to voice what's in his mind.  He might get peers who roll their eyes (no, Peter, just eat!), or 'risk' Jesus scolding him, but he always voiced out what he was hearing, watching and asking.

To learn, Peter was always raw and honest to Jesus.  Despite his flaws, and inability to see his faults, He knew what he was thinking and feeling.

To learn, Peter remembers.  Peter experiences, and connects.  Later we will see how brokenhearted he becomes as the rooster crows

And now it hits me.  Peter is Present.  He is not stuck in the past, nor dreaming of what might be or not be.  His present isn't perfect, but he is right there...with Jesus.

And meanwhile?  Despite Peter's immaturity, faults and perhaps even annoying personality, and despite Jesus knowing it all, 

Jesus ALWAYS let Peter talk. 

Jesus ALWAYS let Peter speak up his mind.  

Jesus ALWAYS explained even if Peter was not quite ready to understand.  

Jesus ALWAYS answered and responded.

The two always had conversations, 

not monologues.

And learn Peter did.

And learn I want.